Ohio Dems seek impeachment of scandal-scarred AG

[Ron Burgundy]

AP - House Democrats filed articles of impeachment Tuesday against scandal-scarred Attorney General Marc Dann, a fellow Democrat who could become the first official impeached and convicted in Ohio in two centuries.

Lawmakers from both parties said later Tuesday that Dann had offered to resign if an investigation by the state inspector general into his scandal-plagued office was delayed. Legislative leaders refused the offer.

Democratic Rep. Robert Hagan and Republican Senate President Bill Harris said Dann, a Democrat, wanted a bill allowing the state watchdog to investigate his office to take effect in 90 days, instead of immediately after Gov. Ted Strickland signs it.

Strickland, a Democrat, expressed support for impeachment and is expected to sign the legislation allowing an investigation by the inspector general, who currently can only investigate offices of the governor.

"It is important that the facts come out as quickly as possible, that they be thoroughly investigated, and that we conclude this matter," Strickland said.

The lawmakers' impeachment resolution outlines nine counts alleging that Dann should be impeached for gross neglect of duty, gross immorality and obstruction of his office's investigation that found an employee was sexually harassed by a top aide.

On May 2, Dann admitted an extramarital affair with an employee that he said contributed to an atmosphere leading to the sexual harassment claims. Three aides were forced out in the harassment investigation, which showed that management encouraged a casual work environment with frequent profanity and inappropriate interactions with subordinates.

Removing Dann from office would require support from Republicans, who control the Legislature, and a Senate trial. Republicans said Tuesday the impeachment proceedings against Dann were moving too fast, but lawmakers from both parties have called on him to resign.

"The attorney general has said that he does not believe there are grounds for impeachment, and he will continue to do the job that he was elected to do," his spokesman Jason Stanford said in a news release.

The Democrats' resolution accuses Dann of making misleading statements under oath and says he should have known his actions created a hostile work environment. The three lawmakers who researched the articles of impeachment said Dann undermined the integrity of his office and betrayed the public trust.

Ohio has not used the impeachment process since 1820, and 1808 was the last time someone was impeached and convicted.

The Ohio Democratic Party earlier stripped Dann of its endorsement, meaning the party would work against him if he seeks re-election.

If Dann resigns or is impeached, Strickland would appoint a successor. Voters would decide whether to confirm his choice on the same day they'll vote for president, Nov. 4. Republicans would have a chance to capitalize on the scandal and seize the hard-won statewide post.

The governor and Dann were among many Ohio Democrats swept into office in 2006 in the wake of a Republican scandal over state investments managed by a prominent GOP donor.

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Associated Press writer Andrew Welsh-Huggins contributed to this report.

source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080513/ap_on_re_us/ohio_attorney_general_scandal [link]